In a festive battle for seasonal supremacy, Ottawa's ByWard Market has claimed the title for the city's tallest Christmas tree in 2025. The victory comes after a friendly rivalry with Lansdowne Park, which held the crown last year.
ByWard Market Takes the Height Crown
The newly installed artificial tree on George Street Plaza, standing at 48 feet tall, now towers over the holiday landscape. It surpasses the 40-foot natural tree at Lansdowne Park's Aberdeen Pavilion, installed in 2024. The installation is part of a broader beautification effort by the ByWard Market District Authority to enhance the visitor experience this season.
"We went really strong with the beautification of the district this year to really brighten things up and really enhance the experience for visitors," said Victoria Williston, communications manager for the authority. The district has added garland-wrapped heritage light posts, giant wreaths on Heritage Hall, and two daily light shows.
A Festive Scene with a Delayed Star
The tree's arrival was not without a hitch. It missed its own November 21 tree-lighting ceremony due to a transportation delay. For the event, organizers used a stand-in natural tree from a local producer. Once the primary 48-foot tree arrived, the substitute was moved to the opposite end of Heritage Hall.
The Market's holiday offerings extend beyond the tree. An Aurora light installation inspired by the Northern Lights illuminates York Street, while another show lights up George Street Plaza. Weekend activities include a Saturday Christmas market inside Heritage Hall, roving carollers, and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Competition Heats Up Across the Region
While the ByWard Market currently holds Ottawa's height record, the title for the broader National Capital Region may be short-lived. The article hints that Gatineau is planning an even taller tree for the 2026 holiday season, setting the stage for a cross-river competition next year.
Other notable entries in the 2025 holiday decor scene include:
- The Canadian Museum of History with its 46-foot landmark tree by the Ottawa River.
- A surprise 38-foot tree at Bayshore Shopping Centre, part of a new Canadian wildlife-themed setting featuring an Arctic fox mascot named Chester.
- St. Laurent Shopping Centre's Instagram-ready magical woodland set, centered on a 25-foot tree.
Meanwhile, Lansdowne Park continues to host its popular Ottawa Christmas Market. Now in its seventh year, the 2025 edition features 60 vendor cabins offering food, drinks, and gifts, complemented by twinkling lights and live music, drawing thousands on December weekends.
The friendly competition for the tallest tree and most festive atmosphere underscores the concerted effort by Ottawa-Gatineau businesses and districts to create memorable holiday experiences for residents and visitors alike, with the promise of an even grander spectacle from Gatineau on the horizon.
